Diane Marie (Kirkwood) Rauch

Diane Marie Kirkwood Rauch, 50, of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026, at home with her loving family at her side.

Diane was born on December 31, 1975, in Traverse City, Michigan, to Daniel and Audrey (Andreasen) Kirkwood. She graduated from Traverse City High School in 1995. She went on to attend some college but spent much of her career in retail, working at Hudson’s, Macy’s, and Marshall Field’s. Diane truly loved retail and especially cherished the friendships she made along the way.

Through mutual friends, she met and fell in love with Gordon Gregory Rauch. They were married on September 26, 2008, in Traverse City. Together, they built a beautiful life, and Gordon lovingly cared for her throughout her illness.

Diane had a deep love for shopping and was incredibly artistic. She had a gift for interior decorating and could make any space feel warm and beautiful. She was also a talented artist and jewelry maker. The beautiful jewelry she created was her greatest passion. Diane enjoyed poetry, loved being near the water, and treasured time spent with her friends.

She was a kind and loving person who cared deeply for others and had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved cats, Sokka and Katara.

Diane is survived by her husband, Gordie of 18 years; her parents, Dan and Audrey Kirkwood; her siblings, Arlene Rider, Alana Aughney, and Kara (Pat) Mead, as well as her nieces and nephews, Amber, Amanda, Hannah, Savannah, Tyler, Max, and Brendan. She is also survived by her siblings-in-law, Ann (Randy) Esch and Derrick (LeAnne) Rauch.

Services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a visitation starting at 10am. Burial will take place at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery.  Her family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.